Dear Senior,
You didn’t really think it was really going to happen to you, did you? Remember all of those upperclassmen that told you to cherish the time you had left because it goes by too fast? It turns out they were right all along. Now, here you are, cleaning out your locker and saying goodbye to people that you grew up with. It doesn’t seem real. What happens now?
Graduation Parties.
Wow. You didn’t think this many people knew you, right? Graduation parties are your new favorite thing and have trumped any birthday party you have ever had. Friends, family members, old coaches, and some people that are just friends with your parents stop by to congratulate you and drop off a card. Make it your best effort to talk to everyone and thank them for stopping by, even if the conversation is awkward because chances are they probably gave you some money.
Before you go and spend all of that money on a shopping trip, consider some things. 1) College tuition. The less amount of money you have to take in student loans the better. 2.) Books. In college, you’re going to have to spend quite a bit of money just on textbooks alone. In some cases you’ll get lucky and your school will have a rental system, but your chances are slim. 3.) Bills in general. Whether or not you are moving on to higher education, you are considered an adult now and there are going to be bills to pay. I’m not saying that you can’t splurge on an item or two with your graduation moola, but just be smart with your money.
Summer Before College.
As much as you aren’t going to like what I have to say, this summer isn’t going to be the greatest summer of your life. Your friends are constantly going to be swamped with work and so are you. Any chance you get, you will hang out with your friends, but don’t expect it to be every night. People are busy planning their futures, whether that is to go to college or not. Have a few bonfires and make as many memories as you can.
End of the Summer.
The time has finally come for you to start your new life. Home won't quite be the same after this point. You'll begin to see your hometown in a different light. You'll appreciate things that you used to hate about it. It's what keeps you and your high school friends close. You promise to hang out with your high school friends once you're back in town for winter break, but don't lose sleep over it if it doesn't work out. They'll make new friends at college and so will you. It's okay to be sad that you are leaving them and beginning a new chapter in your life, but you have so much to look forward to. Your future is bright and the only thing holding you back is you. Break out of your comfort zone and don't be afraid to talk to new people. Rumors don't start as fast on a college campus like they do in small towns. Just don't post every experience you have on social media and let a few things be yours. Whatever you choose to do, make the most of it.
